February is Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that untreated problems in your pet’s mouth can lead to health issues throughout their entire system?

Read on to learn more ….

Dental care for pets is a very important part of their overall health care and can be as simple as an annual dental cleaning and polishing with your veterinarian. February is Pet Dental Health Month, so this is a great time of year to get started on routine oral care for your pet!

In addition to an annual dental cleaning by your veterinarian, did you know that there are simple steps you can take at home to help maintain your pet’s oral health?

15 year old dog teeth

When my dog Sergeant was a puppy, I started brushing his teeth daily … then I got busy with work and life ….. fortunately, I didn’t give up on his oral care altogether and as a result, Sergeant has a clean and healthy mouth. I still make a point to brush his teeth at least twice a week.

I also give Sergeant special dog treats that help break up the tartar on his teeth. He loves them and they also help freshen his breath which is great. These types of treats can be purchased from your veterinarian or at your local pet store.

What are the signs of dental health problems? Start by ‘flippin that lip’ and keeping an eye on your pet’s mouth.

17 year old cat teeth – both had previous dental cleaning performed.

Since pets can’t tell us that their teeth hurt or that they don’t feel good, they show us. So pay close attention for signs that problems exist. These signs include decreased appetite, drooling, bad breath as well as swollen, red or bleeding gums. If your pet shows any of these signs, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What is involved in a regular dental exam with your veterinarian?

During annual dental procedures, the teeth are cleaned in much the same way that humans have their teeth cleaned. With one major difference …. humans say ‘ahhhhh’ while pets are anesthetized in order to cooperate!

Cheek pouch abscess in a hamster

Radiographs of the tooth roots are often obtained to determine if the teeth are healthy. If the root is not healthy, the tooth is usually extracted (pulled).

If further problems exist, advanced dental procedures may be necessary such as endodontics and root canals. Pet dental specialists may be needed to perform these procedures. I-10 Pet Emergency actually has our very own pet dental specialist – Dr. Veronica Kiklevich, DVM, DABVP (C,F) who has provided dental care for pets for more than 20 years.

Dental emergencies can and do happen. They are more likely to occur when routine dental care is not performed. Tooth root abscesses, fractured teeth, bleeding from the gums, cysts, swelling in the mouth, oral foreign bodies. The list is large. Overgrown teeth can be seen in the rabbits and rodents and can be severe enough to cause in appetence.

Tongue laceration and fracture premolar in a large dog

Clinical signs for these types of emergencies often vary from swelling below the eye (for tooth root abscesses) to blood in the water dish, and decreased appetite. If your pet any of these signs please see your regular veterinarian or get to the nearest emergency clinic immediately if your family practitioner is closed.

Don’t forget to flip that lip!!! Maintaining your pet’s dental care is an important part of their overall care.

I am a big advocate of preventative medicine and healthy pets. Unfortunately, as an emergency clinician, I see a lot of problems that ultimately could have been prevented with well pet care. This is often true with dental care.

Avulsed canine in an older cat

Until next time…please spay and neuter your pet and keep them healthy and indoors!